Today Defoe, who now plays for Bournemouth, received the honour from the Prince of Wales at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London.

The striker became a fans' favourite during two and a half years at Sunderland, where he scored 34 goals in 87 appearances.

Jermain Defoe with Bradley Lowery, the young fan he formed a special friendship with during his time at Sunderland.

But the most poignant memories of his time on Wearside involved the friendship he formed with Bradley, the young fan from Blackhall who had terminal neuroblastoma.

He described the youngster as his best friend, and carried him onto the pitch when he was the mascot for an England game at Wembley.

When Bradley was named Child of Courage at the Pride of North East Awards in May 2017, Defoe attended the ceremony, saying: "As a person he has changed me because of what he's going through at such a young age."

Sadly, Bradley died on 7 July 2017, at the age of six, and Defoe was among the mourners at his funeral.